Call to action for Members of the Dutch Parliament: Safety, equal representation, and financial support for women’s rights are needed now.
Last month we presented the appeal “Full Speed Ahead for Women’s Rights” to the Dutch Parliament. In the photo you see us with the Members of Parliament who received our appeal. This call has been signed by 99 civil society organizations, companies, and political women’s networks, as well as many individuals.
We are deeply concerned about the global rollback of hard-won rights, including in the Netherlands. Women in politics, media, and academia are increasingly being silenced. Violence against women and LGBTQI+ people is rising.
Of all women murdered in the Netherlands, 80 percent are killed by a (former) partner or family member. Organizations that provide education and information about sexuality and the rights of trans people are systematically intimidated.
We call on Members of Parliament to:
🚨 Guarantee the safety of people who work for equal rights.
🚨 Ensure equal representation of women in politics.
🚨 Provide financial support for women’s rights organizations.
🚨 Stop false and misleading information about women’s rights and gender equality.
Because societies that take gender equality and women’s rights — including LGBTQI+ rights — seriously are more stable, safer, more prosperous, and more democratic. Peace agreements with the active participation of women last up to 35% longer, and companies with more women in leadership perform 21% better.
Equal rights should be self-evident.
Anne-Floor Dekker, Executive Director of WO=MEN Dutch Gender Platform:
“The very foundations of how we live together are under threat. The new coalition invites civil society to help develop better policies together. We are eager to take up that challenge.”
